Don’ts of Poland – 8 Things NOT To Do!
Poland is such an amazing country, with so much culture to offer to everyone who visits. If you’re lucky enough to get the chance to visit beautiful Poland, then check out these essential don’ts of Poland to make sure you have a fantastic trip!
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Contents:
Why Visit Poland?
Why visit Poland? Poland is one of the most magnificent and beautiful countries in the world. There is something for everyone to do in this marvellous destination.
From incredible natural areas to a wealth of history and culture, Poland provides a unique vacation experience. Tourists can explore the stunning architecture of ancient monuments, visit imposing fortresses, cruise along beautiful rivers, take part in exciting events or take a walk in one of the country’s many picturesque parks.
Poland’s vibrant cities offer a cosmopolitan atmosphere with exciting nightlife, modern shopping centres, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a cultural getaway, Poland is an ideal destination for all types of travellers.
What is Poland Best Known For?
What is Poland best known for? Poland is best known for its long and rich history, incredible natural areas, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cities. It has produced prominent authors, scientists, and musicians such as Chopin and is home to many magnificent monuments and historical sites.
Poland is also known for its hospitality and the hospitality of its people. The country’s long culture has strongly influenced its cuisine, and its burgeoning nightlife and clubbing culture is popular with young people from all over the world. Poland’s thriving economy, low cost of living, and excellent academic institutions make it a great place to live and visit.
Things To Do in Poland:
If you’re looking for some of the best things to do in Poland, then check out these great recommendations:
- Auschwitz Tour and Hotel Pick-Up – Visiting Auschwitz is a moving and unforgettable experience that many people should visit in order to understand the true horror that occurred. Hotel pickup services are available for those wishing to visit this important site in an organized manner.
- Krakow: Zakopane and Thermal Springs Tour – Zakopane is a popular ski resort in southern Poland, and it’s surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Visiting the thermal baths of Zakopane is a great way to relax and take in the breathtaking views of the Tatry Mountains.
- Warsaw: Chopin Concert in Old Town – Attending a Chopin concert in the old town of Warsaw is a must for any classical music enthusiast. The elegant beauty of the churches and their majestic settings provide a fitting backdrop for the music of the great composer.
8 Don’ts of Poland
If you’re looking for the most essential don’ts of Poland, then check out these 8 don’ts of Poland:
1. Don’t miss out on the food – especially the Pierogi!
One of the biggest don’ts of Poland is that tourists visiting Poland should not miss out on the amazing food that the country has to offer. The cuisine is incredibly diverse, and each region in the country has its own specialities.
You can find traditional comfort foods like pierogi (the best 😉 ), bigos, and potato pancakes, as well as more adventurous dishes like carpaccio, slow-cooked stews, and pickled vegetables. Delicious regional delicacies like żurek and gołąbki will leave you wanting more!
Polish food is hearty, flavorful, and healthy, so make sure to savour it while in the country. There’s no doubt that the taste of Polish cuisine will stay with you long after your trip has finished – I visit Polish shops in the UK so much, just because I miss the food!
2. Don’t jaywalk
Jaywalking is not tolerated in Poland and is heavily fined – something I was really surprised at. Tourists should respect Poland’s laws and always obey pedestrian crossings and designated paths marked with zebra crossings. Jaywalking is not only illegal and dangerous, but it can also block the flow of traffic and cause disruptions.
Tourists should also stay alert and be aware of signs that may indicate that crossing is not allowed, as well as any restrictions or warnings from police officers. Not only is it essential to stay safe, but it’s also important to abide by local laws and regulations to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
3. Don’t assume Jewish people were the only ones sent to concentration camps
It is essential to be aware that although the concentration camps of World War II are remembered largely for their Jewish inhabitants, they were used to imprison and exterminate many other groups as well. Poles, in particular, were among the most affected by the Holocaust, and an estimated 1.9 million Polish citizens died in concentration camps during the war. Additionally, Polish people are the biggest nationality to receive the honour of ‘Righteous Among The Nations’ – which says a lot.
It is wrong to overlook the stories of Polish victims and to assume that Nazis only targeted Jews. As such, it is important to acknowledge the suffering of all those who endured the horrors of the concentration camps.
If you are visiting any concentration camps in Poland, it’s essential to be as respectful as possible at all times. This may sound like common sense, but when I visited Auschwitz, I was upset to see that people had written their names on the walls – which is very disrespectful.
4. Don’t assume everyone speaks English
It is important to be aware that whilst a lot of Poles do speak English to a high degree of competence, it should not be assumed that everyone speaks the language. Poland has its own official language – Polish – and although it has many similarities with English, they are two very different languages.
Furthermore, language can be a sensitive topic for some nationalities, and visitors should always ask if someone speaks English before launching into a conversation or attempting to learn a few basic phrases in Polish. Respecting the local language and the culture is an important part of living and travelling in Poland.
5. Don’t forget to validate your ticket
When travelling in Poland on public transport, it is essential to remember to validate your ticket before boarding. Validation machines can be found on most trains and buses, and ensure that your ticket is registered as being used in the relevant journey.
Without validation, tickets are automatically considered invalid, and you can be fined for travelling without a ticket or with an invalid ticket. Validation is a simple process and should only take a few seconds – it is essential if you want to avoid an unpleasant penalty.
6. Don’t forget to carry cash
It is important to not forget to carry cash when in Poland, as it is still quite common to pay with cash. This is especially useful in small shops and restaurants, which may not accept cards or digital payments – or especially if you’re travelling in summer, where you can spot lots of people selling strawberries on the road!
Most large cities have ATMs where you can withdraw cash with your bank card, although these are not always available in more rural areas. Taking both cash and card is the best way to ensure that you can pay for whatever you might need during your trip.
7. Don’t talk badly about religion
In Poland, religion is still a vital part of life for the majority of the population, and it is considered offensive to talk negatively about anyone’s religion. It is important to be respectful and mindful when discussing subjects such as religion when travelling in Poland, as it is not only a sensitive topic for those who follow different faiths or celebrate different cultures but it is also seen as very rude to talk badly about someone’s religious beliefs. Tourists should be aware that many people in Poland view their faith as personal and sacrosanct.
8. Don’t forget to carry your ID
It is important to remember to carry identification when in Poland, as it is required by law. A form of ID such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card must be carried at all times in order to be able to prove your identity.
Furthermore, personal identification can be helpful in various situations, from asking for help with a foreign language to opening a bank account. Even if visitors are not expecting to be stopped by police, it is still important to carry ID. It’s also a good idea to remember to take a photo or copy of your ID and email it to someone you trust, just in case the worst happens!
Poland FAQ
The official language of Poland is Polish; however, it is common for a lot of people to speak English, Ukrainian and Russian also.
Poland is fairly inexpensive for tourists who will visit, but it is important to remember that people in Poland do not earn much money compared to the rest of Europe, so be respectful.
Poland is famous for a lot of food, but most importantly, the soup and Pierogi!
Don’ts of Poland – Conclusion
After reading this post, you’ve hopefully become more educated on the major don’ts of Poland! Are there any don’ts of Poland which surprised you? Are there any don’ts of Poland that weren’t mentioned, but you believe that they should’ve been? If so, let me know by leaving a comment in the comments section down below! If you liked this post and would like to read some more similar posts, then check out my Poland category, and these are what I’d recommend:
